Pap Smear

The Papanicolaou test is a method of cervical

screening used to detect potentially precancerous
and cancerous processes in the cervix or colon.
Cells are scraped from the cervix and examined
under a microscope to check for disease or other
problems. Women should start Pap smear
screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29,
women whose Pap smears are normal only need
it repeated every three years.Abnormal findings
are often followed up by more sensitive
diagnostic procedures and, if warranted,
interventions that aim to prevent progression to
cervical cancer.

SMEAR FINDINGS INTERPRETATION Findings

Negative for intra-epithelial lesions
Normal Smear 
or malignancy
Abnormal squamous cells but do not meet
Atypical squamous cells of
the criteria for a squamous intra-epithelial
undetermined significance (ASCUS)
lesion
Low-grade squamous intra-epithelial Mildly abnormal cells, changes
lesion (LSIL) attributable to HPV
High-grade squamous intra-epithelial
Moderate to severely abnormal squamous
lesions (HSIL) with features
cells
suspicious for invasion
The possibility of carcinoma is high
Carcinoma
enough to warrant evaluation

Nursing Consideration:
Pre-procedure:
 Secure patient’s consent. 
 Obtain the patient’s health history. 
 Ask lists of the patient’s current medications. 
 Explain that Pap smear is painless. 
 Instruct the patient to empty the bladder. 

Intra-procedure:
 Assist the client in supine, dorsal lithotomy position with feet in stirrups.
Post-procedure:
 Cleanse the perineal area. 
 Provide a sanitary pad. Slight spotting may occur after the pap smear.
 Document all gathered findings
 Provide information about the recommended frequency of screening.